7 Deadliest Roads in the World You’d Never Want to Drive
Most roads are designed to get us safely from point A to point B. But some routes test the nerves — and survival skills — of anyone daring enough to drive them. From dizzying cliffs to landslide-prone highways, these are seven of the deadliest roads in the world.
1. North Yungas Road, Bolivia (Death Road)
Nicknamed “Death Road,” this narrow mountain pass winds through the Bolivian Andes. With sheer drops of up to 2,000 feet and no guardrails, one wrong move could be fatal. Fog, rain, and landslides make it even more dangerous. Despite its reputation, it’s a popular spot for thrill-seeking mountain bikers.
2. James Dalton Highway, Alaska, USA
Stretching 414 miles through remote Alaska, this icy highway challenges even the toughest truckers. It’s isolated, unpaved in parts, and battered by snowstorms. If you break down here, help is hours away. Add in steep grades and freezing winds, and the Dalton becomes a survival test.
3. Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
Carved by hand through the cliffs of the Taihang Mountains, this tunnel road is both beautiful and terrifying. The walls are rough, the path narrow, and the drop-offs sheer. Villagers once had no other connection to the outside world, and today it remains one of the most dangerous roads on Earth.
4. Zoji La Pass, India
This high-altitude mountain pass in the Himalayas is vital for connecting Ladakh to the rest of India. But the road is just wide enough for one vehicle, often clogged with mud or snow. Landslides are common, and drivers regularly face visibility issues from blizzards and fog.
5. Karakoram Highway, Pakistan/China
Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Karakoram Highway is both an engineering marvel and a deadly challenge. It climbs over 15,000 feet through the Karakoram Range. Rockfalls, avalanches, and extreme altitude sickness make it one of the most dangerous — and breathtaking — roads anywhere.
6. Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand
Cut into sheer cliffs above the Shotover River, this road is so narrow that rental car companies won’t insure travelers who drive it. Passing oncoming cars requires nerves of steel, with steep drops and sharp turns adding to the danger. Despite the risks, the scenery is stunning.
7. Fairy Meadows Road, Pakistan
This rugged track leads to the famous Fairy Meadows near Nanga Parbat, one of the world’s tallest mountains. The unpaved road clings to cliffs, with no guardrails and barely enough width for a jeep. It’s a white-knuckle ride that rewards survivors with jaw-dropping mountain views.
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